Barbara Carol (Smith) Halvorsen, age 93 of Albert Lea, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at The Woodlands in Albert Lea. A visitation will start at 10:00 AM Monday February 24, 2025 at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells with a funeral service starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place privately with family.
She came into this world on Christmas Day, 1931. She was welcomed by parents Harry and Margaret (Hawkins) Smith of Albert Lea, her big brothers Jack, Bob, Don, and sister Betty. She was later joined by brother Gary and sister Mona. She grew up in Albert Lea and one night at a dance she met the love of her life, Rodney Halvorsen of Emmons. They married on April 9, 1950. A “city girl” became a farmer’s wife and they spent the next 64 years together.
They farmed for a few years outside of Emmons and then outside of Kiester. Because of a few setbacks they began a new life when they moved to Kiester. Dad worked at Wilson’s in Albert Lea, and she kept up the home front. They raised their seven kids and were contributing members of the community. Barbara worked at Fleet Guard in Lake Mills, IA for 20 years. In her spare time, she loved to dance, play bingo and to watch the Wheel of Fortune.
She raised us up in the way that we should go, and we became good people contributing to society. We, her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and her great-great grandchildren are her legacy. She was a simple woman who led a simple life, yet she made a deep impact. She was here, she mattered, and she made a difference on this earth. Thank you, Mom.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney; her parents; three brothers; two sisters; two grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Barbara is survived by her seven children: Nancy Klingbeil, Rodney (Sue) Halvorsen, Shelby Battleson, Marcy (Rick) Nyholm, Julie Elvebak (Paul Trytten), Audrey (Mike) Henkel, and Gayle (John) Peña; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; her brother Gary (Rita) Smith; sister-in-law Ingri Krech; and many nieces and nephews.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Know will be in our minds and hearts during this difficult time. Our girls and us are thinking about you and know what this lose is like on another level. Condolences from the Jed and Kayla Lye family including: Sophia, Lauren, and Allison.
Beautiful write up. Love and condolences to her family.